Winter in Rockland, 1942
Winter Armor
Snow has finally paid a visit to New York. Now that this season’s endless fall (not complaining) has finally shifted to a more permanent winter it’s time to get & keep the armor out. Insert your best friend and winter’s worst enemy, L.L. Bean Boots. Bean Boots are no secret, and with the company celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, they’re clearly made well and here for the long haul. With a no questions asked life time guarantee, arguably the best customer service out there, and affordability, L.L. Bean is a win-win and definitely worth a visit.
Tried & Tested: Ghurka Leather Goods
Last month I caught up with a few of the people behind Ghurka, at their new Fifth Avenue location to discuss the American leather goods company. On top of opening a new store (781 Fifth Avenue), they’re also getting back to basics. After acquiring the patterns and leathers from the original collection, it was quickly realized that there was no need to reinvent the wheel. Taking cues from what helped create the Ghurka reputation, most of what they needed had already been done and a loyal following established. The store itself is lined with vintage pieces, which were used as templates for some of the newer models. While the line is new, most of what’s being produced is either one-for-one to the originals or has a simple change-up with updated fabrics such as wool or canvas.
At the end of the day, the quality of a product is what’s most important, and this has been something Ghurka has always understood and valued. From hide to handbag, every detail is scrutinized at the company’s Connecticut and New York factories. With a relatively minimal workforce, many of the people who were making these bags when Ghurka was started in the 70s are still at the helm using the same techniques and tools. It’s this level of experience and appreciation that’s evident in the final product. Personally, I like to know that what I buy is going to last a long time and in some ways an investment, so it’s nice to see company with this type of integrity.
For those unfamiliar, Ghurka not only makes good bags, they have a pretty good story, too. Founded in 1975, Ghurka was initially inspired by a pair of officer’s boots found at an auction. The boots, worn by a British Ghurka officer in India 75 years earlier, were still in great shape and as most things at the time, made well. So impressed, the company’s founder, Marley Hodgson searched out exactly how the boots were made, tracking down the tanning process all the way up to how they were constructed. Utilizing the same techniques, Ghurka was born.
If you’re in New York, stop by their new flagship store in the Sherry Netherland at 781 Fifth Avenue.
Dispatches From Florence: Pitti Immagine
Pitti Uomo is again taking center stage in all things menswear, footwear, apparel or the like. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to make the trip over for this round, and already two days in, there’s no shortage of coverage for everyone to feast their eyes on. These are a few of the people who are doing their part in proving you don’t have to wear socks or coats in January as well as covering all the offerings soon to be on the market. Make sure you follow all their respective twitter and instagram feeds for live details.
The American Turtle
In 1775, American inventor and Yale grad, David Bushnell created the first American combat submarine. Using ideas that are still in use today, the American Turtle was designed to combat the British strong hold on New York harbor during the revolutionary war. Called the Turtle because of its appearance in the water, its function was to plant explosives in the hull of the nearby HMS gunners. Unfortunately, the Turtle didn’t have a very successful track record and couldn’t manage to bring down any of its intended targets. Instead, the Turtle’s fate was met at the hands of the British when they sank her transport ship as it tried to flee the harbor. A model of the Turtle can be seen at the U.S.N. Museum in Washington D.C.
IWC Top Gun Miramar
Starting off the New Year in proper form, IWC has released a new Top Gun collection as part of the Pilot Watch family. Inspired by their 1940s Pilot’s Watches, the new Top Gun Miramar is the first line to incorporate a military style design. Naturally, this new design is coupled with all the precision, movement and materials typical of IWC. Each timepiece is fitted out with a zirconium oxide case, and uses titanium for the controls and back. The movements are IWC-manufactured calibers with 168 hours of power reserve and considered one of the “most advanced and robust chronograph movements ever produced”. Visit IWC for the full specs and details on the latest Top Gun collection and the rest of the Pilot Watch family.
Worn Well: Maxx & Unicorn
Just over a year ago, at last year’s pop-up flea, I picked-up a Maxx & Unicorn card holder from the gentlemen of Hickoree’s Hard Goods. I’ve never been a fan of carrying a bulky wallet so this card holder is perfect for carrying what I need without taking up a lot of space. Handmade in Brooklyn, there’s enough room for a few cards, a credit card and ID, and some nice embossed pistols on the front. A year in, the leather has aged perfectly and doesn’t show any signs of kicking the bucket soon. Check out Maxx & Unicorn at Hickoree’s.
Black Tie Time
Here’s to a solid 2011, an even better 2012 and a hat tip to all the properly turned out gents of yesteryear. Cheers & Happy New Year!
10 Things That Never Go Out of Style via GQ July 2005
A recent cleaning spree uncovered an article I saved from a July 2005 GQ. Evidently in 2005 these were considered the top ten things that will never go out of style. I think it’s safe to say that GQ was on point with their assessment. At the end of the day, brands that are 50 or 100+ years old and haven’t really changed clearly have their shit together. They do what they do, and they do it well.
American Photography: Peter Stackpole
In 1933 construction began on a bridge that would span from San Francisco to Marin County over the Golden Gate. The project would last nearly five years, cost thirty-five million dollars and take eleven lives. The result was the world’s longest suspension bridge. Throughout construction, Peter Stackpole captured the progress through the lens of his camera collecting some of the first images of what would become one of the most photographed pieces of architecture in the world. It was here; Stackpole cut his teeth and made his name as a photographer.
Following his work on the Golden Gate Bridge, Stackpole went on to become one of the original staff photographers for Life magazine. He would hold tenure at Life for the next 24 years and make the cover 26 times, photographing more of America’s great bridges, landscapes, military and celebrities. Many of his images are arguably some of the most recognizable photographs from the 20th century and strike a chord with just about anyone. He also worked with Time, Fortune, Vanity Fair, and covered WWII from the South Pacific.
Check out more of Peter Stackpole’s images in the Life Archives here.
